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Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Southampton

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Southampton's short-lived stay in the Premier League could officially come to an end on Sunday afternoon if they lose to fellow crisis club Tottenham Hotspur in North London.

The Saints are teetering on the brink after an agonising 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in midweek, before their capital counterparts sank to a 1-0 loss to London rivals Chelsea.

Match preview

Unless Tottenham unexpectedly go all the way in this season's Europa League, the only 'cups' that the Spurs faithful will receive will be Ange Postecoglou cupping his ears to the crowd in Thursday's clash with Chelsea, an enraging encounter from start to finish for the Tottenham boss.

Enzo Fernandez's effort settled the derby in the Blues' favour, and Spurs' one uplifting moment was quickly snatched from them when a Pape Sarr equaliser was disallowed following a VAR review, triggering another one of Postecoglou's customary post-match technology rants.

The former Celtic head coach was also forced to deny that his ear-cupping to the away end was a hostile one - his decision to withdraw Lucas Bergvall for Sarr was met with a highly negative reaction - but regardless, that gesture was highly ill-advised after Sarr's strike was chalked off.

Only boasting one point from their last four games in England's top division, Tottenham's 14th-placed standing in the Premier League table makes for increasingly grim reading, as does their horrendous record of one win from their last 10 Premier League matches at home.

Nevertheless, Postecoglou's second-season trophy prophecy could still come true as the Lilywhites prepare to battle Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, and Spurs could hardly have wished for a friendlier fixture to regain some much-needed momentum before Thursday's first leg.

As has been the story of the Saints' season, even ending their six-game losing run at home to Crystal Palace left an incredibly bitter taste in the mouth, as Ivan Juric's side were oh so close to just a third Premier League win of the campaign thanks to Paul Onuachu's opener.

However, a tale of two headers ended with Matheus Franca breaking Southampton hearts in the second minute of added time, meaning that the Premier League's whipping boys could be condemned to their fate in record time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The formula is simple; if Southampton lose at Tottenham and Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Ipswich Town on Saturday, Juric's men will be relegated with seven games left to play, writing a new page of unwanted Premier League history in the process.

No team has ever been relegated as early as gameweek 31 before - the current 'record' is held by 2007-08 Derby County and 2018-19 Huddersfield Town, who were consigned to demotion in gameweek 32 - and the Saints' measly 10-point total still puts them on course for the worst-ever Premier League season.

To make matters worse, Southampton were slaughtered 5-0 by Spurs on home soil in December and have conceded in each of their last 15 Premier League away games against Tottenham, who even in their current state will be backed to hammer the final nail into their visitors' relegation coffin.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Southampton Premier League form:

Team News

The only positive from Thursday night's defeat for Spurs, Postecoglou confirmed in his pre-game press conference that no new players picked up injuries; Micky van de Ven was only cramping at the end and should be passed fit for Sunday.

Luckless attacker Richarlison might also be in with a chance of coming back from a calf problem, having made his return to training over the past week, but Radu Dragusin (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (foot) and Kevin Danso (hamstring) are still on the treatment table.

Postecoglou has confirmed that he will shuffle the pack this weekend with Frankfurt on the horizon, which spells good news for the likes of Sarr, Brennan Johnson and Mathys Tel; it would not be a huge surprise to see Son Heung-min spared for this one.

As for a doomed Southampton, Flynn Downes's 10th yellow card of the season in the draw with Crystal Palace means that he is suspended for Sunday's game, which Juan Larios (fitness), Ross Stewart (fitness) and Will Smallbone (groin) will also miss.

In keeping with the theme of their disastrous season, Juric was also forced to bring off all of Lesley Ugochukwu (unspecified), Onuachu (fatigue) and Ryan Manning (hand) against Palace, and the trio's availability for the weekend remains clouded in uncertainty.

Juric only described Onuachu as "exhausted", so the towering striker will likely be OK to reprise his role, but Joe Aribo, Tyler Dibling and Yukinari Sugawara should all gear up for promotions to the first XI.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Gray, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Tel

Southampton possible starting lineup:

Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Bella-Kotchap; Sugawara, Aribo, Fernandes, Walker-Peters; Dibling, Onuachu, Sulemana

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Southampton

Expect a slightly weakened Spurs side to take to the field this weekend as Postecoglou prioritises the Europa League, not that it should make much difference to the final scoreline.

As pitiful as Tottenham's performance was in midweek, a refreshed set of options should comfortably condemn Southampton to their 25th Premier League loss of the season, one that might officially punch their ticket to the 2025-26 Championship.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Chelsea vs. Spurs team news: Starting lineups confirmed with Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson decisions made by Enzo Maresca

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Chelsea vs. Spurs team news: Starting lineups confirmed with Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson decisions made by Enzo Maresca - Sports Mole
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Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed their starting lineups for Thursday's Premier League game at Stamford Bridge.

With Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson having all been passed fit after injury, Enzo Maresca had several decisions to make ahead of this London derby.

The Italian has opted to hand starts to each of Palmer and Jackson, with Madueke being named on the substitutes' bench.

Reece James and Christopher Nkunku are the players to drop out to accommodate the pair, while there is also a change at right-back with Malo Gusto replacing Wesley Fofana.

Trevoh Chalobah has also been preferred to Benoit Badiashile, but, as expected, there is no place among the replacements for Romeo Lavia who picked up an injury earlier this week.

© Imago

Spurs make five changes

Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou has opted to make as many as five alterations to the Spurs XI that started the defeat to Fulham before the international break.

Micky van de Ven and Son Heung-min are notable starters in defence and attack respectively, Ben Davies and Mathys Tel the duo to drop out.

Wilson Odobert also comes into the final third, taking the spot of Brennan Johnson on the right flank, while Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison also feature in what is an offensive-minded XI.

Archie Gray and Yves Bissouma are the other two players to miss out on a place in the starting lineup.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Subs: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Badiashile, Adarabioyo, James, Dewsbury-Hall, George, Madueke, Nkunku

Tottenham Hotspur XI: Vicario; Spence, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Odobert, Solanke, Son

Subs: Kinsky, Pedro Porro, Davies, Gray, Bissouma, Sarr, Moore, Johnson, Tel

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Team News: Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur injury, suspension list, predicted XIs

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Chelsea lock horns with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Thursday night.

While the Blues lost 1-0 at Arsenal prior to the international break, Spurs suffered a 2-0 defeat to Fulham last time out, and here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for the two clubs.

CHELSEA vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

CHELSEA

Out: Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended), Marc Guiu (hamstring), Omari Kellyman (hamstring)

Doubtful: Cole Palmer (muscle), Nicolas Jackson (hamstring), Noni Madueke (hamstring)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Radu Dragusin (ACL)

Doubtful: Dejan Kulusevski (foot), Kevin Danso (hamstring), Richarlison (calf), Lucas Bergvall (illness)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

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Tottenham lineup vs. Chelsea: Predicted XI for Premier League London derby

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Tottenham lineup vs. Chelsea: Predicted XI for Premier League London derby - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur will assess the conditions of four players ahead of Thursday's Premier League clash with London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

While Radu Dragusin is ruled out with a season-ending ACL injury, midfielder Lucas Bergvall should be fit to return after withdrawing from the Sweden squad during the international break due to illness.

Ange Postecoglou could also be boosted by the return of Dejan Kulusevski (foot), Kevin Danso (hamstring) and Richarlison (calf), who are all currently injury doubts and a late call is set to be made on their availability.

Should Danso not be fit to start, Cristian Romero could link arms with Micky van de Ven at centre-back, while Postecoglou will weigh up whether to start in-form Djed Spence ahead of either Pedro Porro or Destiny Udogie at right-back or left-back respectively.

Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr and James Maddison will all be pushing to start in midfield ahead of either Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur or Archie Gray after beginning as substitutes in Spurs' disappointing 2-0 loss at Fulham before the international break.

Captain Son Heung-min has, to the surprise of some, been benched for the last three Premier League games, but the South Korean could be recalled to start on the left flank at the expense of Mathys Tel.

Brennan Johnson will hope to get the nod ahead of Wilson Odobert to continue on the right, unless Kulusevski is deemed fit to start, while Dominic Solanke is set to lead the line.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

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Chelsea lineup vs. Tottenham: Predicted XI for Premier League London derby

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Chelsea could be boosted by the return of three players for Thursday's Premier League clash with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

While Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended), Marc Guiu and Omari Kellyman (both hamstring) all remain unavailable for selection, Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke could be fit to return to Enzo Maresca's matchday squad.

Palmer was ruled out of the 1-0 loss at Arsenal prior to the international break due to a muscle injury and subsequently withdrew from the England squad, but the playmaker - who scored two penalties in the thrilling 4-3 win at Spurs in November - returned to training last week and will hope to be involved in some capacity on Thursday.

Fellow attackers Jackson and Madueke have also returned to training after spells out with hamstring injuries and, along with Palmer, will be assessed ahead of kickoff.

The potential return of both Palmer and Jackson could see Pedro Neto move from a makeshift central role over to the right flank, while Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku may battle for a start on the left side of attack.

Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are the most likely duo to start in centre-midfield. Reece James played in midfield against Arsenal, but he could revert to right-back with Wesley Fofana potentially moved across into the heart of the defence alongside Levi Colwill.

Marc Cucurella is set to continue at left-back, while Maresca will decide whether to stick with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who has started three of Chelsea's last four games in all competitions, or recall Filip Jorgensen between the sticks.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

> Click here to see how Tottenham Hotspur could line up for this contest

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Preview: Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur

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Preview: Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur - prediction, team news, lineups - Sports Mole
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Almost a decade on from the infamous 'Battle of the Bridge' encounter, London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur return to Stamford Bridge to lock horns in the Premier League on Thursday night.

These two teams were involved in an enthralling seven-goal thriller in North London almost four months ago when Chelsea came out on top by a 4-3 scoreline.

Match preview

© IconSport

Chelsea's four-game winning run across all competitions was brought to an end before the international break as Tottenham's North London rivals Arsenal beat the Blues 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on March 16.

Mikel Merino's first-half header condemned Chelsea to their third Premier League defeat in five matches and Enzo Maresca's side are now clinging on to a top-four place, as they sit just one point above Manchester City in fourth and two clear of sixth-placed Newcastle United - who have a game in hand, while Brentford down in 11th are only eight points behind with nine games still left to play.

Chelsea, who are seeking to avoid a third successive campaign finishing outside the Premier League's top five, currently boast the finest of advantages in the hotly-contested battle to secure Champions League football for next season and are now preparing for three top-flight fixtures against bottom-half opposition, as well as their two-legged Conference League quarter-final tie with Legia Warsaw later this month.

The West Londoners will welcome a return to Stamford Bridge where they have won each of their last four Premier League games, keeping a clean sheet in their last two against Southampton (4-0) and Leicester (1-0) - only once in the last five seasons have Chelsea won three home matches in a row without conceding, doing so from April to May 2024 in a run that included a 2-0 win over Spurs.

Chelsea will fancy their chances of success on Thursday, as they have won more PL games (36) and scored more PL goals (120) against Tottenham than they have versus any other opponent. In fact, only three teams have scored more goals against a side in the division than the 120 Chelsea have netted against Spurs (Arsenal vs. Everton, Manchester United vs. Everton, Liverpool vs. Newcastle - all 124).

© Imago

Like Chelsea, Tottenham were unable to claim maximum points in their final game before the international break and instead suffered their 15th Premier League defeat of the season at the hands of Fulham.

Second-half strikes from Rodrigo Muniz and ex-Spurs man Ryan Sessegnon condemned the Lilywhites to a 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage, leaving them languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table and 10 points behind the top half.

Europa League glory is seemingly the only saving grace for Ange Postecoglou, whose Tottenham future has come under the microscope once again following an "unacceptable" loss at Fulham. He is now facing unwanted history, as defeat at Chelsea on Thursday would see the Greek-Australian become the first-ever Spurs manager to lose his first four league meetings against the Blues.

No team has earned fewer Premier League points in London derbies this season than Tottenham (10, level with Brentford), who have lost five out of nine such matches (W3 D1). Only in 1987-88, 1989-90, 2003-04 (all six) and 2004-05 (seven) have Spurs ever suffered more London derby defeats in a league campaign.

Tottenham are bidding to win their first game at Stamford Bridge since a 3-1 success in April 2018, but they head into Thursday's contest having lost eight of their 14 top-flight away matches this term, with only Leicester (10) and Southampton (12) having lost more - not since 2008-09 have the Lilywhites suffered more away defeats in a single league season (11).

Chelsea Premier League form:

Chelsea form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

© Imago

Chelsea trio Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended), Marc Guiu and Omari Kellyman (both hamstring) all remain unavailable for selection, but Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke could be fit to return to the matchday squad as they have all taken part in training.

The potential return of both Palmer and Jackson could see Pedro Neto move from a makeshift central role over to the right flank, while Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku may battle for a start on the left side of attack.

Reece James played in midfield against Arsenal, but he could revert to right-back with Wesley Fofana potentially moved across into the heart of the defence alongside Levi Colwill, while Maresca will decide whether to stick with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who has started three of Chelsea's last four games in all competitions, or recall Filip Jorgensen between the sticks.

As for Tottenham, Radu Dragusin remains out with a season-ending ACL injury, but Postecoglou could be boosted by the return of Lucas Bergvall (illness), Dejan Kulusevski (foot), Kevin Danso (hamstring) and Richarlison (calf) who will all be assessed ahead of kickoff.

Should Danso not be fit to start, Cristian Romero could link arms with Micky van de Ven at centre-back, while Postecoglou will weigh up whether to start in-form Djed Spence ahead of either Pedro Porro or Destiny Udogie at right-back or left-back respectively.

Captain Son Heung-min has started as a substitute in each of last three Premier League games, but the South Korean could be recalled to start on the left flank at the expense of Mathys Tel, while James Maddison, Pape Matar Sarr and Wilson Odobert will also be pushing for a return to the first XI.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:

Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

We say: Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Clashes between Chelsea and Spurs tend to be filled with drama and entertainment, but whether we will see another goal-fest in this one between two inconsistent teams, just as determined not to lose as they are to win, remains to be seen as both sides have lacked a cutting edge in front of goal in recent matches.

There is no doubt that the hosts will be regarded as favourites considering Spurs' dire record at Stamford Bridge - winning just one of their last 39 away league visits over the past 35 years - and if Palmer and Jackson are to return for the Blues, then they should have enough to collect three valuable points.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Tottenham injury, suspension list and return dates for Chelsea: Dejan Kulusevski, Lucas Bergvall latest

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Tottenham injury, suspension list and return dates for Chelsea: Dejan Kulusevski, Lucas Bergvall latest - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur will look to make amends for the disappointing defeat they suffered at Fulham before the international break when they make another trip across London to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Thursday night.

The result at Craven Cottage was Spurs' third defeat in five games, and has placed more pressure on under-fire manager Ange Postecoglou, who has struggled greatly in his second season, with the Lilywhites down in 14th in the Premier League table.

Success in the Europa League is all that can save Spurs' season, and much of the focus will now centre around their upcoming quarter-final with Eintracht Frankfurt, but a strong performance against rivals Chelsea is always imperative.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with bitter rivals Chelsea, who have not suffered a home defeat in this fixture for seven years, but saw their four-game winning run ended by Arsenal before the international break.

Kevin Danso

© Iconsport

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: April 3 (vs. Chelsea)

Danso sustained a hamstring injury late on in their draw with Bournemouth in early March, but after missing the fixtures against AZ Alkmaar and Fulham, as well as international duty with Austria, the Lens loanee is potentially in contention to return.

Dejan Kulusevski

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Foot

Possible return date: April 3 (vs. Chelsea)

Kulusevski has missed Spurs' last four matches, and was also unavailable for Sweden duty last week, with the signs suggesting this could also come just too soon for the wide man, who is recovering from a foot injury.

Richarlison

© Imago

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: April 3 (vs. Chelsea)

Postecoglou revealed early in March that he expected Richarlison to recover from a calf injury after the international break, suggesting he will be in contention to feature here, after eight games on the sidelines.

Radu Dragusin

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Dragusin will not play again this season after surgery on a serious ACL injury, and the Romanian central defender is set to miss most of 2025 with the setback.

Lucas Bergvall

© Imago

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Illness

Possible return date: April 3 (vs. Chelsea)

Bergvall missed international duty with Sweden due to illness and was not present for training last week, but he should be fine to feature in some capacity here.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR'S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players suspended for this Premier League encounter.

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Chelsea injury, suspension list and return dates for Tottenham Hotspur: Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson latest

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Chelsea injury, suspension list and return dates for Tottenham Hotspur: Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson latest - Sports Mole
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Chelsea return to action on Thursday night when they play host to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Having not featured in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the weekend, the Blues have not played since March 16 when they went down by a 1-0 scoreline at Arsenal.

With Enzo Maresca's side playing in the final fixture of this matchday, they will likely drop out of fourth spot in the standings come kickoff in this game, but the focus will be on delivering a timely three points in the race for Champions League qualification.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's injury and suspension news ahead of welcoming one of their London rivals to Stamford Bridge.

Cole Palmer

© Imago

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: April 3 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Cole Palmer was ruled out of the previous fixture with Arsenal due to a muscle injury, one which also kept him sidelined for England duty. However, having returned to training last week, there is optimism that the playmaker could be involved here.

Omari Kellyman

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Omari Kellyman made his return to Under-21 action earlier this month in the hope of building some momentum ahead of next season. However, the winger lasted just over half-an-hour of that game before sustaining a recurrence of his previous hamstring injury, and he will sit out the rest of the season.

Nicolas Jackson

© Imago

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: April 3 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Nicolas Jackson sustained a severe hamstring issue in the home win over West Ham United in early February and has been sidelined ever since. However, the Senegal international is now back in training and on course to feature in some capacity on Thursday.

Marc Guiu

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: April 3 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Marc Guiu is said to have been on a similar recovery path as Jackson having suffered an injury in the same game. However, it appears that the young Spaniard still has work to do before he can be considered for a place in the squad.

Noni Madueke

© Imago

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: April 3 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Noni Madueke has not been seen since the middle of February. However, like with Jackson, he is now back in training after a hamstring injury and may be available on Thursday night.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Mykhaylo Mudryk

© Imago

Possible return date: Unknown

Mykhaylo Mudryk tested positive for meldonium in late 2024, and the Ukraine international is still serving a provisional suspension while an investigation continues.

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Bournemouth 'set £75m valuation' as Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham 'chase Cherries star'

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Bournemouth 'set £75m valuation' as Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham 'chase Cherries star' - Sports Mole
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Bournemouth have reportedly placed a £75m valuation on Antoine Semenyo, with the Cherries bracing themselves for bids for the in-demand attacker during this summer's transfer window.

The 25-year-old has been in excellent form for Andoni Iraola's side during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring nine goals and registering six assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.

Semenyo has two goals and one assist in the FA Cup this season, with Bournemouth preparing to tackle Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the competition on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the forward has seven goals and five assists in 28 Premier League appearances this term, consistently making an excellent impression for a talented Cherries outfit.

There has been a host of speculation surrounding the Ghana international in recent months, with a number of Premier League teams believed to be interested in securing his signature at the end of the campaign.

© Imago

Bournemouth 'set substantial Semenyo valuation' amid exit talk

According to The Sun, Bournemouth are under no pressure to sell Semenyo this summer, and it would take an offer in the region of £75m for the club to consider letting their key attacker depart.

The report claims that Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are all keen on the forward, who made the move to the Cherries from Bristol City in the middle of the 2022-23 campaign.

Semenyo has scored 21 goals and registered 21 assists in 125 appearances for Bournemouth, while he has been capped on 21 occasions by Ghana, scoring three times and registering one assist.

The forward has a contract at the Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2029, and European football could be on offer at the club next season if the team are able to finish the campaign in a positive fashion.

© Imago

Bournemouth 'not under pressure' to sell Semenyo

Bournemouth entered the March international break off the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Brentford, and they have actually only managed to pick up one point from their last four league fixtures during a disappointing run.

Iraola's side are 10th in the Premier League table, just four points behind fifth-placed Manchester City, with Champions League football for next term certainly still on the cards for the talented team.

It is difficult to imagine Liverpool, Chelsea or Tottenham going anywhere near the £75m price tag that has allegedly been set, so it would be a surprise if the forward was on the move during this summer's transfer window.

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Chelsea injury news: Enzo Maresca receives double fitness boost before Tottenham clash

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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been handed a double fitness boost after Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke returned to training on Friday.

Palmer had started every Premier League game this season before he was forced to miss the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal with a muscle injury.

The Chelsea start subsequently withdrew from Thomas Tuchel's England squad to give him time to rest and recover ahead of the return of Premier League action.

There was some concern about Palmer's fitness status when it was reported on Thursday that he was yet to return to training at Chelsea's Cobham base.

Palmer, Madueke return to training

However, Chelsea fans would have been delighted to see images on social media of Palmer taking part in Friday's training.

Palmer has failed to score in his last seven Premier League matches, but he is still the best attacker in the Chelsea squad.

The playmaker has registered 14 goals and provided seven assists in 33 competitive appearances this season, highlighting why his return to training represents a significant boost ahead of Thursday's home meeting with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Like Palmer, Madueke also made his return to training on Friday after missing the last six competitive matches with a hamstring issue.

Madueke has not featured for Chelsea since being forced off in the first half of a 3-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion on February 14.

Who are Chelsea's other injury concerns?

Forward Nicolas Jackson could also be available for the meeting with Tottenham after he was seen working on the grass earlier this week.

However, Chelsea are still expected to be without young forward Marc Guiu for their return to Premier League action.

The 19-year-old has been on the sidelines since being forced off in the 2-1 win over West Ham United on February 3.

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